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Each year, July 30 is set aside as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. We know that human trafficking and slavery occur in every country around the world and as Pope Francis reminds us “is a crime against humanity“.

Solas Bhride is committed to working in collaboration with others to bring an end to this abuse of human rights. We are involved in a number of different networks such as UNANIMA International, RENATE in Europe, ANZRATH in New Zealand, ACRATH in Australia and TRAC in the UK.

Aspects of the work of these networks include:

raising awareness about human trafficking,

advocating for the rights of trafficked people (particularly girls and women)

supporting survivors of trafficking and various forms of modern day slavery and

supporting young girls and women vulnerable to being forced to marry.

As we mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July this year, let us consider ways in which we can each use our voice, our networks and our resources to help eliminate human trafficking today.

Let us pray for those who are vulnerable to being trafficked because of poverty, family breakdown, displacement because of wars or violence, lack of education, employment or other opportunities for a life with dignity.

May we continue to work to overcome these inequalities in the world so that all “May have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)

Two oak saplings planted at the entrance to Solas Bhride were transplanted recently. The oak saplings were nurtured from acorns taken from the oak tree planted in Tullow in Co. Carolw by Bishop Daniel Delany in 1807 when establishing the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Brigid. (Brigidine). These oaks were planted by Rita Minehan csb and Brenda Kindregran of Cairde Bhride. The courtyard area was not a suitable location for the little oaks to flourish. Hopefully, they will be able to stretch their limbs in their new location on the grounds.

In their places two beautiful Magnolia trees were planted. The trees were a gift from Cairde Bhride, to commemorate 25 years of the presence of the Brigidine Sisters in Kildare and the re-lighting of the Brigid Flame. The magnolias are blossoming in their new home.

The official opening of the new Solas Bhride Centre and Hermitages, Tully Road, Kildare town took place on Friday, January 30th. A day and a celebration that will be forever etched in our memory.

Further Awards for Solas Bhride

Green Building Award 2015

Solearth Ecological Architecture submitted Solas Bhride Centre as their project in the prestigious Green Awards 2015, Green Business & Sustainability. Solas Bhride received the national award for its energy efficient design approaches and its high priority on the creation of a healthful and restful environment for its users and visitors. We were delighted that Solas Bhride received this huge acclamation.

Pride of Place Award

Solas Bhride was honoured to have been chosen by Kildare County Council as County Kildare’s project in the National Pride of Place Competitions. The Award Ceremony took place in Ennis, Co. Clare on November 14th. A Special Award was presented to Solas Bhride by the Mayor of Kildare, Mr. Brendan Weld and CEO Kildare County Council, Mr. Peter Carey, on Wednesday, October 28th .

Marking Earth Day

Oak saplings from the Tullow oak, which had originally come from Kildare, and other gifts of oak presented to Solas Bhride were planted in the ground of Solas Bhride on April 22nd. The seven oaks that were symbolically planted at the site in the Brigidine Bicentenary year, 2007, representing Brigidine Sisters, all who would carry the Brigidine tradition into the future, all involved in the creation of the Centre, the youth of the world, pilgrims, artists, and all who would work at the centre into the future were permanently planted. The Kildare Oak has come full circle.

Quiet Reflection and MeditationEntering into darkness, stillness,beyond time, beyond space.Waiting and listening,Until filled with that Mysterious Presencethat reaches the depths within.Monday Meditation will resume in September

Solas Bhride Centre and Hermitages is finally complete! The name of our Centre “Solas Bhride” means the “light/flame of Brigid”. It is ironic then that the delay to the Centre being open to the public was due to lights – traffic lights at the pedestrian crossing outside the building. The pedestrian lights were finally connected on November 29nd which removed the last hurdle to be overcome in allowing the Centre to open. There have been many twists and turns on the road since the “Turning of the Sod ceremony” in February 2013. It has indeed being a faith journey and many a time we wondered if we knew before we started what we know now would we have set out on the journey at all. But we always received the “light” for the next step through the many unexpected surprises and kindnesses along the way. Now we are excited at the prospect of welcoming many pilgrims/visitors and we hope all who come will find solace here. We are ready for the next step on the journey.

Joyce Rupp, well known writer and author of numerous bestselling books including “Praying our Goodbyes”, “Open the Door” and “Fragments of your Ancient Name” was one of the first visitors to the Centre. Joyce visited the Centre on a recent trip to Ireland. Joyce, Margaret and Maeve’s parting words were: “Trust an unknown future to an known God.”

Solas Bhride Centre and Hermitages is finally complete! The name of our Centre “Solas Bhride” means the “light/flame of Brigid”. It is ironic then that the delay to the Centre being open to the public was due to lights – traffic lights at the pedestrian crossing outside the building. The pedestrian lights were finally connected on November 23rd which removed the last hurdle to be overcome in allowing the Centre to open. There have been many twists and turns on the road since the “Turning of the Sod ceremony” in February 2013. It has indeed being a faith journey and many a time we wondered if we knew before we started what we know now would we have set out on the journey at all. But we always received the “light” for the next step through the many unexpected surprises and kindnesses along the way. Now we are excited at the prospect of welcoming many pilgrims/visitors and we hope all who come will find solace here. We are ready for the next step on the journey.

Joyce Rupp becomes one of the Centre’s first visitors!

Joyce Rupp, well known writer and author of numerous bestselling books including “Open the Door” and “Fragments of your Ancient Name” was one of the first visitors to the Centre. Joyce visited the Centre on a recent trip to Ireland.

The cladding on the exterior of the building is completed. The windows have been installed in most rooms.Rita and site Foreman, Stephen Smyth, walk towards the Reception area.

Work on the ceiling of the roof in the “Flame Room” continues. The shape of a Brigid’s cross is clearly visible which will be a special feature of this room.

Most of the exterior work on the building has been completed. Work on the interior is progressing very well. It is hoped to have the construction work completed by May 2014.
We are grateful to many people who give so generously of their time and expertise to the New Centre and to all those who who have generously donated to the Project.

FundraisingWe still need to raise a further €820,000 to complete the Project. Any donation is deeply appreciated. Donations can be made through the Donation Page at this website or directly to Solas Bhride Centre and Hermitages, 14 Dara Park, Kildare Town, Co.Kildare, Ireland.

Rita and Mary stand in the centre of the Brigid Room and are briefed by Stephen. The roof is almost complete and windows will be installed in early January.

The heating system will involve Geothermal and Ice Stick heating systems. The photograph shows the ice sticks being installed

As dusk descends on a Winter’s evening the building settles into the landscape.

Solas Bhride are delighted to confirm that we have successfully achieved a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for “Most people weaving a Brigid’s cross’. Solas Bhride would like to congratulate you on your record-breaking achievement. “You are OFFICIALLY AMAZING.”

Solas Bhride has been told to expect an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS certificate confirming our world record which is being created and will be sent to Solas Bhride very soon.

Certificates

For everyone who took part in the successful record attempt, Guinness World Records are offering a Certificate of Participation. They stated in their letter of Confirmation to Solas Bhride that all of the participants in setting the record for most people weaving a Brigid’s cross, can purchase their own official Guinness World Records Certificates of Participation via the Guinness World Records Store. URL: http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/store

Before you access the Guinness World Records store you will need to make contact with Solas Bhride to obtain the Participant verification codes as soon as possible.

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